I already had a cabinetmaker whose work I love and whom I trust when I met my GC. He has a strong relationship with the cabinetmakers he works with and only works with them so that if there are hiccups he feels like he can get the resolution he wants. He took me to meet his top guy, and to see his work, so that I would be reassured that he'd be just as good as my guy. These two men have been friends forever and work very well together. The cabinetmaker told me he could make anything I could design, and he totally lived up to that promise. I'm glad I went through my GC. I'm sure my other guy would have done as good a job, but the GC he recommended was adequate rather than stellar like the guy I ended up hiring.

Thanks, plllog! So glad the experience was a positive one for you. I'm struggling a bit with my budget overall and was wondering if I could save $$ by going through my GC. Then I was nervous about quality, finish, etc. Still lots to investigate but looking to learn from others' experiences.

We purchased through our GC, after checking into a few other sources. I had been trying to work with some Amish cabinet makers who did beautiful work for 2 different friends, but couldn't get on their schedule. I also looked into places like Expo (very pricey!) and some kitchen design places. The GCs recommended a cabinetmaker that they have used for remodels and spec homes. We visited one remodel and one spec home with his work (both high end and beautiful) and then met with the cabinetmaker and some of his workers in their shop. We were impressed enough to go with him, and have been very very pleased. He was great to work with and also worked well with our GCs, and was a good price for custom cabinetry.

We felt good making the decision to use him because we had done some legwork looking at other sources and seeing his completed work.

No. I picked my cabinet guy first. (Unfortunately, I followed one of his recommendations for GC and the guy wasn't quite up to GW par.)

We picked GC first based on high quality work he did building a friend's house. This GC only does business with 1 supply firm and they offer 3 grades of cabinets for which GC gives his client's the GC price (no markup). The GC was willing to install anyone's cabinets. It just didn't make sense to not take advantage of the great price on cabinets. We got Omega Dynasty and have been pleased. If anyone is in Madison, WI area, I highly recommend our GC.

I purchased everything (except appliances) through my GC. It actually wound up being cheaper then when I priced everything separately. I'm really glad I went that route. He coordinated everything,and took care of any issues that came up (like when the wrong doors were delivered for my island). Honestly, I didn't want to be bothered. I wanted to just pick out what I wanted & leave it to them to make it happen. They did a great job & we stayed under budget.

Went through our GC, but also checked pricing at Lowe's. GC cabinet pricing was lower. Also, I liked the idea that if there were any problems, it was the contractor's problem -- I wasn't in the middle. If I had my own KD or cabinet manufacturer, I would have had to get in the middle of any issues with cabinet install. It ended up that we did have to order a few extra trim pieces etc. along the way for the install, and the contractor did that (at his expense).

If you can find a contractor that represents a cabinet line that is acceptable to you, get his price and then an independent price, and see where it ends up.

Thanks, everyone. Glad to see that this has worked out for some of you. I'll keep my fingers crossed!